Once more with feeling (good)

When last I posted, I described a shave that was a severe pleasure. IOW, I got a lot of use out of my styptic pencil(s). Today's shave, in contrast, was simply a pleasure. SPNN (Styptic Pencils Not Necessary). What was the difference? Partly, I think, it was the contortions I got myself into the other day, that caused me to have bad technique. Today, I tried to stay nice and relaxed and didn't try for any new or experimental angles on the difficult areas; for me, neck & chin. But having read some of the other posters comments about the outside dark forces, that can physically or psychologically bump you while shaving, I began to realize a major difference between the conditions the other day and today. The other day, I was up against a deadline; a luncheon reservation. Today, no such pressure. It made for a much more relaxed and enjoyable shave. Keep your faces wet and your blade sharp!

Its just like school - if the first time you pick up your text is the day before the exam... you might pass, but it ain't any fun.

If on the other hand, you take to your readings in line with the class, you learn things, have fun, and actually know what you are doing and when you are blowing it.

Learning to shave is no different. There is a steep learning curve. What sucks is, there's no text. You can only learn by doing. Rushing, no matter how many threads you have read here is a recipe for disaster. Only after a year or two of continued straight use, will you be able to bang away.

Have fun :)!!

Like earcutter says, slow down and have fun. There is no way you want to rush a straight razor shave. That's just askin' for trouble. ;)

Couldn't agree more with earcutter & Speedster. The whole process is meant to be savored and enjoyed. There will come a time when you can do it almost as fast as you can with other "tools" if you need to, but even then, you'll add steps/luxuries when you have the time to really enjoy it. I used to think stropping was a chore; now I like getting the rhythm going and feeling the difference when I shave.

Yes...enjoy it!

I remember starting out and it taking multiple passes in various unknown directions to end up with not a great shave. Then I acquired more skill, and could get a DFS with two passes and be done from start to finish in roughly ten minutes - thought that was awesome.

Now, when I shave, I take my time and try to do as many passes as I can without getting to the point of actually scraping skin off my face...just like to hold and enjoy the particular blade I've chosen, the smell and feel of the soap, the alum block, the whole experience.

Now it takes me 20-30 minutes to have a nice shave, and that seems to go by to quickly as well. Going to try to be more active in using my scuttle, add some more time to have some nice hot lather, the old fashioned way...and as a cold water shaver, I may even bust out a hot towel as well...all to prolong the experience as I only shave every other day, and could really get away with three day's if I wanted to, so when I shave, I want to enjoy it.